Former NASCAR crew chief Ray Evernham offers muscle car for auction

   NASCAR legend and ESPN racing analyst Ray Evernham, known as an avid classic and race car collector, can now add “car designer” to his resume. Evernham unveiled a street-legal 1964 Plymouth Belvedere that combines old school American style with modern NASCAR racing technology at 2012 SEMA that marked Evernham’s debut as a car designer and builder.

    On Saturday, Jan. 19, Evernham will present the ForPly as a featured vehicle at Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale auction. The ForPly is listed in lot number 1394 and is offered with no reserve. The auction will be featured live on Speed Channel.

    “We set out to design the ultimate street machine that takes a vintage American muscle car with great motorsports heritage and brings it into the modern age,” said Evernham. “There is not another one like it in the world. We hope it draws the attention of racing and non-racing enthusiasts, as well as the collector who is looking for that one-of-a-kind vehicle.”

    Net proceeds from the sale will go to Evernham Family Racing for a Reason, a foundation that is funding IGNITE, a new program and facility in Davidson, N.C., operated by the Autism Society of North Carolina. IGNITE enables adults with High-Functioning Autism or Asperger Syndrome to enjoy a better quality of life as valued members of the community in which they live and work.

How bad do NASCAR drivers want to win the Daytona 500?

   NASCAR Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton offered up an entertaining answer on Saturday when asked if teams might still employ "bump drafting" in the final lap of the Daytona 500 in an attempt to win.

   “When it comes down to the trophy, the check and the trophy queen, all bets are off,” he said.

   “I expect them to run hard at the end (of the race) and make sure they are around for the end of the race and make sure they are positioned where they can get (to the checkered flag). There is no telling what you’ll see.”

   That may end up ranking up there with "Boys, have at it" as one of NASCAR's most quotable statements. 

New windshield improves safety in Cup cars

   One of the less-publicized changes to the 2013 model cars is the adaption of a new windshield.

   The windshields continue to be made of Lexan – a transparent plastic of high impact strength – but it will be slightly thicker overall since it consists of two thinner pieces laminated together.  

   “I liked to see the windshield. I am really happy about that. That has always been a concern of mine, something coming through the front of the car,” said driver Greg Biffle.

   “It’s similar to a passenger car windshield that has the protective stuff in the middle of it. Typically when you layer something it becomes stronger than a single piece anyway.”

Check out the big wreck at Daytona NASCAR testing

  
   NASCAR Sprint Cup teams tried their hand at pack racing for the first time during Friday's test at Daytona International Speedway. It didn't go well for many teams.

NASCAR driver Marcos Ambrose to drive in Rolex 24

   NASCAR driver Marcos Ambrose will join Michael Shank Racing for the 2013 Rolex 24 At Daytona to drive the No. 60 Michael Shank Racing Ford-Riley.

    Ambrose, who impressed in testing with the team during the "Roar Before the 24" over the weekend, will supplement the driving line up of A.J. Allmendinger, Justin Wilson, John Pew, and Ozz Negri as Negri continues to heal from an off-season testing injury. The team led five of eight practice sessions during the weekend between the two team Daytona Prototype entries.

"We couldn't have been happier with how quickly Marcos gelled with everyone on this team," offered Mike Shank. "Obviously (Ambrose) was very fast in the car, but he was also great out of it. That's hugely important for a race like this - you need to have everyone pulling in the same direction. He fits that perfectly."

Michael Waltrip to run Daytona 500 for Swan Racing

   Michael Waltrip, a two-time Daytona 500 champion, will pilot Swan Racing's No. 30 in the Feb. 24 Daytona 500, reuniting him with former crew chief Tony Eury Jr. The race marks Swan Racing's Sprint Cup Series debut since announcing its new ownership last month.

    "I am thrilled to drive the No. 30 Toyota for Swan Racing and the chance to win a third Daytona 500," said Waltrip about the one-race deal. "Reuniting with Tony Jr. and Steve Hmiel brings back a lot of good memories and is going to create new ones."

    Waltrip will step in for the team's regular driver, David Stremme.

    "Michael is a familiar face for a lot of us here at Swan Racing," said Eury. "We know each other's habits, wants and needs on the track. We're going to Daytona to compete and hopefully we'll make a mark for Swan Racing."

Welcome to NASCAR, Travis Pastrana

  X Games star Travis Pastrana is used to scary stunts but even he may not have been prepared for his unofficial indoctrination into Roush Fenway Racing. Pastrana, who will drive fulltime in the NASCAR Nationwide Series this season for RFR, took a plane ride with team co-owner Jack Roush.

   RFR put together a video of the ride. Check it out.